Tacoma City Council Study Session – July 7, 2026

The Tacoma City Council held a study session on July 7, 2026, at 8:15 p.m. to discuss the Roadmap to Recovery, proposed amendments to the Critical Areas Preservation Ordinance, and a council contingency fund request for the Beyond the Block youth program. No formal votes were taken on any agenda item; presentations and discussion only. The session adjourned at approximately 9:45 p.m.

Discussion Items

1. Roadmap to Recovery Update

• City Manager Hugh Kim presented the multi-year strategy to address the city’s structural deficit, emphasizing three areas: immediate savings, future savings, and innovation.
• Immediate savings: A hiring freeze has frozen 84 positions citywide, with projected year-end savings of $2.2 million from the general fund and $7.4 million from all general government. Year-to-date savings total approximately $4.8 million.
• Future savings: Departments are developing proposals for program reductions and eliminations (10% for internal service departments, 5% for public safety and courts). The city manager stressed that ongoing reductions are needed to close a forecasted $40 million gap and that a balanced budget for 2027–28 will include use of reserves, program cuts, and potential layoffs.
• Innovation: Plans to merge Public Works and Environmental Services, eliminate a deputy city manager position, and consolidate the housing division into Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) to streamline homelessness, housing, and human services.
• Councilmembers expressed concerns about service impacts, communication with the public and community partners, employee support, and the need to clearly show how service levels have expanded since 2020. Several members noted that one-time ARPA funds were used for ongoing needs and that shrinking government will require hard choices.

2. Critical Areas Preservation Ordinance (CAPO) Amendments – First Reading

• Councilmember Rumbach introduced a substitute ordinance with minor clarifications to definitions (e.g., mitigation, wetlands) to align with state requirements, and added language affirming that biodiversity area protections are not being reduced.
• Councilmember Sidalgay offered three amendments:
  1. Remove conflicts with the recently adopted Tideflats Sub‑Area Plan by allowing the same uses in the Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA) as permitted in the sub‑area plan, subject to critical areas review.
  2. Clarify metrics for analyzing reasonable use of critical areas on private property, consistent with state law.
  3. Refine mitigation requirements for vegetated buffers around wetlands and streams, including definitions of illegal fill and protection via conservation easements.
• Councilmember Hines proposed an amendment to streamline the installation of minor utilities with temporary or no impact on critical areas, allowing them by staff review.
• Staff (Robin Bolster-Grant, Land Use Division Manager) confirmed that all proposed changes are consistent with best available science and that the planning commission had taken a more conservative approach on CARA uses. Council debated the timing between the Tideflats Sub‑Area Plan and the CAPO update, with several members noting the sub‑area plan was a separate, voluntary process.
• No vote was taken; the amendments are expected to be considered at a subsequent council meeting.

3. Beyond the Block Program Sponsorship

• Councilmember Palmer presented a request for $10,000 from the council contingency fund to sponsor Beyond the Block, a free drop‑in program for youth aged 11–16 at the Bryant Neighborhood Center in the Hilltop neighborhood.
• The program is a collaboration with Sisters House, Hall Outdoors, and Push for Dreams, offering culturally informed sessions on social media safety, conflict resolution, public speaking, mental health, stress management, and self‑esteem. Each session includes a free meal and snacks.
• Co‑sponsors Councilmembers Rumbach and Scott spoke in support, noting that the program does not qualify for Tacoma Creates funding but fills an important gap for youth. The item is scheduled for a vote on July 14, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• No decisions were made on any agenda item; all matters were presented for discussion and will be brought back for action at future meetings (CAPO amendments and Beyond the Block on July 14).
• The city manager will provide a future presentation illustrating the expansion of city services since 2020.
• Staff will continue to engage labor partners and community nonprofits as budget proposals develop.

Other Items

• Councilmember Rumbach reminded about the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center’s 17th Annual Parking Lot Social, to be held July 17, 2026, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at 718 Court E, as a fundraiser for survivor support services.
• Deputy City Manager Alison Griffith noted that the regular agenda includes a proclamation declaring July 2026 as LGBTQIA2S+ Pride Month and one opportunity for public comment.